8 Things To Do In & Around Giardini Naxos, Italy - Updated 2024

things to do in Giardini Naxos
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Sana 
Updated
| 4 min read

Giardini Naxos is situated in the city of Messina on the island of Sicily. It is a seaside resort, which sits below the stunning mountainside of Taormina on the eastern coast. It is a delightful place to visit, especially during the busy summer months. From here, you will get superb views of the Sicilian hills. Here you can relax, swim or simply laze on the beach. What could be better than to explore this resort and the neighboring cities? You will be surrounded by stunning views, good beaches, and delicious food, this makes for an ideal holiday escape! Read on to learn more about the best things to do in and around Giardini Naxos!

1. Alcantara Gorge

Alcantara Gorge, Sicily
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Richard Allaway used under CC BY 2.0

Sicilian legends say the gorge was created due to volcanic eruptions caused by the Gods; however, it is likely it was created due to the eruption of a volcano, that existed between Mount Etna and the Peloritan mountains. Located 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Taormina, Alcantara Gorge is one of Italy’s most spectacular natural sights. It is unspoiled, breathtaking and simply beautiful.

The gorge’s name has Arabic origins (Al Quantarah) referring to a Roman bridge. The gorge has sparkling clear water, which cascades down the canyon wall. The water is icy cold at the bottom of the pool! It is open all year round and you can explore the wildlife trails, which changes with the seasons.

Alcantara Gorge

Address: Via Nazionale 5, Motta Camastra, 98030 Sicily, Italy

Website: Alcantara Gorge

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2. Lido Bonday Beach

Sicily-beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user MartinThoma used under CC0

Located in Giardini Naxos, this is a great place to spend a few hours. The sea is clear and calm, which makes it ideal for paddling and swimming. If you get hungry, there is a small cafe for drinks and ice creams. There are also toilets and showers for when you come up off the beach.

Lido Bonday Beach

Address: Via Teocle, Giardini Naxos, Sicily, Italy

Phone Number: +39 346 401 1276

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3. Taormina Shore excursion from Messina (from USD 88.0)

Explore Taormina on this four-hour tour of the historic seaside resort from Messina. See the beautiful cathedral and spectacular Greek theater. Enjoy views over the Ionian Sea and Giardini Naxos Bay. You will see Mount Etna in the background.

The excursion starts from near the Messina cruise port, where you will climb into a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy the scenery along the drive toward Taormina. Soak in the gorgeous sights like the picturesque Giardini Naxos Bay. You will have a leisurely three hours of free time in Taormina to explore at your own pace. Then you will make your return trip to Messina, where you will have time for exploration before being transferred back to the port in time for your ship’s departure. Light refreshments are included in the tour price.

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Taormina Shore Excursion from Messina - Shared tour

Duration: 4 hours

17 reviews

4. L'Acquario Degustazione

Baked salmon
Source: Pixabay

L'Acquario Degustazione is a fine dining experience in a beautifully decorated restaurant where the staff is welcoming and knowledgeable about the dishes. The raw chopper and sea salad are said to be exquisite, and dishes are fresh and beautifully presented. There are a variety of fish and seafood dishes. Do try the chantilly cream, crunchy with berries and figs!

L'Acquario Degustazione

Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele 66, 98035 Giardini Naxos, Sicily, Italy

Phone Number: +39 0942 56284

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5. Sea Spirit Diving Resort

Isola Bella-Taormina-Messina-Sicilia-Italy
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user gnuckx used under CC BY 2.0

Sea Spirit Diving Resort offers dive sites of varying difficulty for all levels of experience.

The seabeds of Taormina’s are rocky so this allows you to see into the waters, ranging from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 100 feet) during the whole season from May to October. You will get to experience a variety of species, which live in the waters, ranging from groupers to moray eels, greater forkbeard, crabs, lobsters, eagle rays, octopus, goldline fish, saddled bream and much more! So why wait any longer, if you have the chance? Do take this opportunity to see the waters of Taormina for an unforgettable experience!

Sea Spirit Diving Resort

Address: Via Recanati 26, 98035 Giardini Naxos, Sicily, Italy

Website: Sea Spirit Diving Resort

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6. Recanati Beach

Beach, Cefalú, Sicily
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user l0da_ralta used under CC BY 2.0

In Giardini Naxos, you will find Recanati beach, which is very popular because of its fine sand. It is a gorgeous spot to spend a few hours or even a whole day, where you can rent sunshades and sun loungers, enjoy the warm breeze on your skin and let your troubles melt away. There are many holiday apartments, holiday houses, villas and hotels with a view of the sea, if you were looking to stay here, by the sea. You won’t have difficulty in finding somewhere to eat as there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and pubs to choose from.

Recanati Beach

Address: 98035 Giardini Naxos, ME Italy

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7. Caffe Cavallaro

Biscotti alle mandorle, Siracusa, Sicilia
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Giovanni Dall'Orto used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Finding a quality cafe while on holiday is always a delightful experience and Caffe Cavallaro is superb! It serves a variety of gelato, cakes, ice cream and traditional Sicilian sweets. It must be on your list, when in Giardini Naxos. Not only does it have a lovely interior, great coffee, but in the evening, it is a good place to stop for a drink and have a snack. Do try the delicious mandorla cookies!

Caffe Cavallaro

Address: Via Umberto 165/167, 98035 Giardini Naxos, Sicily, Italy

Phone Number: +39 0942 51259

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8. Giardini Naxos, Taormina and Castelmola half-day tour from Catania (from USD 99.0)

With this tour, you will be able to explore Giardini Naxos as well as Isola Bella, Castelmola, and Taormina on a half day trip from Catania. It is a five-hour experience, which includes a seafront drive alongside Naxos Bay in the history-steeped seaside town of Giardini Naxos. If you wish, you will be able to swim in the sea at Isola Bella. You will also be able to explore the Church of Castelmola on a walk around its historical center, then visit Taormina to hear its history and shop in its unique boutiques.

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Catania Small-Group Giardini Naxos, Taormina, Castelmola Tour

Duration: 7 hours

90 reviews

Giardini Naxos and the surrounding areas

Giardini Naxos
Source: Photo by user Francesco Sgroi used under CC BY 2.0

There aren’t many places, where you can escape and recharge your batteries but exploring Giardini Naxos and the nearby towns will do just that for you!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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When I am not planning my next travel adventure, I can be found with my nose in a book or working on my latest piece of writing. I’ve been blessed with opportunities to travel and every country...Read more

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